What is Spaying or Neutering?
The terms spaying (females) and neutering (males) refer to surgical procedures performed under general anesthesia to 'desex' and make cats and dogs unable to reproduce.
At San Diego Bay Animal Hospital we understand that our pet parents may have reservations about spaying and neutering.
Our team cares as much as you do – and it's our job to ensure the procedures are safe and routine. Most pets recover without stress and are back to their normal playful selves quickly.
Spaying Surgery: For Female Cats & Dogs in San Diego
Technically known as an ovariohysterectomy, spaying removes a female pet's reproductive organs.
Neutering Surgery: For Male Cats & Dogs in San Diego
Neutering, or orchiectomy, removes the testicles from male pets and is considered a simpler surgery than a spay.
Health Benefits of Neutering or Spaying For Cats
There are 6 key benefits of spaying or neutering your cat:
- It curbs naughty behaviours, like spraying to mark territory.
- Neutered cats are less likely to stray from home.
- Your cat may become more affectionate.
- It reduces the risk of your cat contracting certain diseases.
- It decreases the risk of uterine infection in female cats.
- It may decrease the risk of mammary (breast) cancer.
Health Benefits of Neutering or Spaying For Dogs
There are 5 key benefits of spaying or neutering your dog:
- It reduces the risk of prostate and other cancers.
- It reduces marking and spraying issues.
- It stabilizes the mood of the dog.
- It reduces the mating urge.
- It can reduce sexualized behaviors.
Spaying & Neutering FAQs
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What should I know about the recovery process for my pet?
Spaying
After spay surgery, some clinics will want to keep your cat or dog overnight, while others will let her go home on the same day. The rule of thumb is generally 7-10 days of restricted activity.
Neutering
If there are no complications or other health issues, your dog or cat can usually go home on the same day of the procedure, with activity restricted for a few days while the incision heals.
For both procedures, we may send your pet home with a protective collar to keep it from licking the incision.
We typically book a follow-up visit to check on how well your pet has healed and to remove the stitches.
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When should I have my pet spayed? What age?
Pet owners should consult with their veterinarian to determine the best age to spay or neuter their cat or dog. Some research indicates there may be long-term health benefits to spaying or neutering dogs after they have passed through puberty.
Many veterinary professionals recommend that female animals be spayed before their first heat, which can occur as early as 5 months of age. However, there is increasing evidence that this is too young as the animals have not been allowed to fully develop and grow.
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Why should I get my cat spayed or neutered?
Population Control
According to the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), it is estimated that around 3.2 million cats enter US animal shelters every year.
The absolute best way for you to help reduce the number of unwanted cats in San Diego area shelters is by spaying or neutering your feline friend.
Protect Wildlife
It is estimated that cats in the USA kill between 1.4 billion and 3.7 billion birds every year. By helping to keep the numbers of homeless cats to a minimum, you help to save the lives of countless birds and other wildlife.
Cat Neutering Benefits
Male cat neutering can help to curb many undesirable cat behaviors such as spraying indoors and around your house to mark territory, roaming, howling, and fighting with other undoctored male cats. Reducing your cat's temptation to fight may also reduce their risk of injury, and of contracting Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and Feline leukemia virus (FeLV).
Cat Spaying Benefits
Female cat spaying before the first heat cycle can help to reduce your cat's risk of developing pyometra (infection of the womb) and mammary tumors. It's also important to note that female cats carrying infectious diseases can pass serious conditions on to their kittens, who may then go on to spread the disease even further. The pregnancy and the birth process can be risky for young cats, and costly to their owners.
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Why should I get my dog spayed or neutered?
Population Control
According to the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), approximately 3.3 million dogs enter shelters every year across the USA.
Spaying or neutering your dog is the best way for you to help reduce the overall number of unplanned puppies each year while improving your pet's behavior and reducing their risk of some serious health conditions.
Dog Spaying Benefits
Female dog spaying can help to prevent serious health problems such as pyometra, (a potentially life-threatening uterine infection), and mammary cancer.
Dog Neutering Benefits
Male dog neutering helps to prevent your pet from developing testicular cancer and can also help reduce unwanted behaviors such as dog aggression, straying and humping.
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Will my pet feel anything during the procedure?
No, your pet will be under general anesthesia, and will not feel anything during the procedure.
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Will my pet gain weight after the procedure?
Your puppy or kitten will continue to grow to their full adult weight after the spay or neuter procedure, and this naturally includes some weight gain.
However, your pet will not gain weight as a result of being spayed or neutered.